Marathi Kala Mandal Inc. Home Page

The Marathi Kala Mandal of Greater Washington is a non-profit, tax exempt organization that helps maintain the cultural heritage of Maharashtra, a western State in India. The Marathi language is a derivative of the Sanskrit language of ancient India. Marathi is a short form for Maharathi, meaning the people of fighting class. For over 2,000 years, the people of the western region of India are known as warriors against the invaders. Marathi people are also referred to as Maharashtrians, meaning those who have the cultural heritage in the State of Maharashtra. Maharashtra means Great Nation. Marathi people or Maharshtraians are nationalist in nature and they reflect the character of a great nation of India (Bharat).

As we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of India's Republic Day on 26 January 2000, we the Marathi people are proud of our contribution to the freedom struggle of India. The seed of the freedom struggle was planted by a great Hindu King Shivaji Raje Bhonsle in mid 1650's. At the age of 16, he took a vow to fight against the atrocities by a Moslem king Aurangjeb against Hindus. Shivaji, whose conscience was guided by Hindu saints Tukaram and Ramdas, created Maratha empire that lasted almost 150 years.

Here, in the U.S., Maharashtrians comprise of about 2.5% of the families with Indian origin. There are some 30 Marathi Mandals in Northern America. The national organization is called Brihan Maharashtra Mandal. Approximately, 400 Marathi speaking families live in Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. The Mandal (Association) organizes activities for the Marathi community, some in cooperation with other Indian organizations, to maintain Indian culture and to share the talents of Marathi people in performing arts such as classical and folk dances, classical and light vocal and instrumental music and drama. Many programs are festive activities representing Indian culture and philosophy.

The Mandal has an active Youth Group for the 10-17 years teenagers that provides them an opportunity to maintain their cultural heritage, to serve the elders in the community, and enjoy the outdoors. The Mandal also has a senior citizens group that provides them an opportunity to lead an active life here in the U.S. Anyone who is interested in learning about the ethnic culture of India can join regardless of religion, gender, caste, region or national origin.